What makes Archi-AR unique

Designers constraints are the time and cost of generating a 3D visualization of a clients home. Unlike many other apps, Archi-AR bridges that gap to bring a time efficient and cost efficient solution.

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3D visualization by me

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Problem

Architects, interior designer, contractors and the like provide their clients with floorplans but are reprimanded due to the cost and timeline of producing said 3D visualizations. Initially clients want to experience a 3D home quickly, but visualizing 3D content can be time consuming. 

Without prior knowledge of the software architects will struggle or have to reach out to companies which in turn will be costly for the secondary and tertiary users. 

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Solution

Provide an immersive interactive experience using augmented reality to asynchronously provide 3D homes built from user defined floor plans.

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Designers constraints are the time and cost of generating a 3D visualization of a clients home. Unlike many other apps, Archi-AR bridges that gap to bring a time efficient and cost efficient solution.

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My process

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Problem existence

The process of analyzing 3D visualization from a floor-plan can be time consuming and costly. In my previous experience I have worked with designers, architects, and the like and I can relate to the process. I want to create a quicker way of translating 3D while using new technology.

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​​​​​​​Interviews & Contextual Inquiry

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Literature review

By understanding 3D technology and augmented reality we can better grasp how the two entities coincide together. Using an image or image target via AR serves as a tracking base for the augmented reality feature to work in the real world space. I studied further and gathered related information about how video games use such a feature.

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Affinity Mapping 

I created an affinity map to help me dial down the insights from the interviews and contextual inquiry and also to begin ideation on the product. Narrowing the trends from frustrations and needs of the potential users is defined from affinity mapping.

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Competitive analysis

A competitive analysis helped in understanding how other products are doing in the market and what features they use. This helped me structure the app accordingly from in depth qualitative aspects.

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User persona evaluation

I created multiple personas or hypothetical users that represent my target users. These personas are based off the initial user interviews. This also helps me outline my goals and strategies.

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Storyboard journey

I sketched out a few drawings using my persona Nicole to help identify key moments in the experience of an architect consulting with her client. A storyboard also helps visually show what the users problem is and key moments early.

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System map for ideas

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Wire-frames

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Cardboard AR prototyping

• I drew and cut out a physical phone device and a small foam building to demonstrate to a few test participants on the AR (Augmented reality) feature of the app.
• Participants got it on the first go around with little explanation.
• I asked a few question to get an idea of how does this feel.

Building the 3D model

In order to recreate the visualization you need an image target for the Augmented reality feature to track in the real world, hence the real world floor plan. I placed the floor plan into a 3D software such as Autodesk Maya and used this as my image target. The image target uses coordinates that track onto the image or image target and translate back into the device camera.I modeled the floor plan in 3D and exported the model into Spark AR studio to prototype the augmented reality feature.

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Testing in Spark AR

A tool developed by Facebook allows you to import models. Purpose is to share and provide AR content creation on social media platforms. I would normally build this test in Unity game engine but the time of build and space resources is too much. Also instead of using one program you'd have to use Unity in combination with X-code.

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Final design

Usability testing updates

The participants had a hard time understanding the buttons on the render screen. So, instead of users pressing to see what happens, I labeled them accordingly to reduce confusion. I also placed the save button above the inspect menu for ease of access.​​​​​​​

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Outcome

I proposed the app idea and concept to several contractors, architects and construction managers. Some where not as tech savvy, however loved the concept of Archi-Ar.

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Final Interactive prototype